Bridge PhD – Biology and Mathematics
Project “Strategic positioning of synapses in neural circuits”

In this collaborative 3-year PhD project between the labs of Cinzia Soresina (Mathematics) and Boris Chagnaud (Biology), funded by the COLIBRI network at the University of Graz, the strategic positioning of chemical and electrical synapses in a pattern generator generating vocal communication signals will be investigated using synodontid catfish as a model system. The goal of the project is to identify the synaptic sites, strength and modality for the different synapse types, and to generate a mathematical model of this network in which synapses can be changed in strength, modality and location.

We are looking for a highly motivated student with a strong interest in neural circuits and modelling. Candidates with prior expertise in neuroscience research as well as in modelling/programming are strongly encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will be trained in a variety of methods including intracellular (in vitro and slice patch clamp) recordings, whole brain immunohistochemistry, tract tracing, light sheet imaging and modelling to investigate the importance of synapse positioning and its effect on behaviour.

Job advertisement
https://jobs.uni-graz.at/ausschreibung/en/?jh=vbti8dtgzc93n3ssxrufcefo1txxxbq
For information please contact
Cinzia Soresina (https://sites.google.com/view/dr-cinzia-soresina/home)
Boris Chagnaud (https://zoologie.uni-graz.at/de/forschen/neurobiologie-und-verhalten/)